Morocco · Best time to go
Best time to visit Morocco, season by season
The best time to visit Morocco is spring, from March to May, with September to November a close second. Cities are mild, the Atlas mountains are green or clear, and the weather suits children. Summer is very hot inland but fine on the Atlantic coast. Winter has pleasant days and cold mountain nights. Check the dates of Ramadan before you book.
Season by season
- 1
Spring, March to May: the sweet spot
Spring is the most comfortable season. Days in Marrakech, Fes and Rabat are warm without being punishing, and the High Atlas is green with snow still on the highest peaks. It suits a trip that mixes the imperial cities, a medina day or two and a short mountain stay. It is also busier than other seasons, and Easter weeks can sell out, so book riads and drivers early. By late May the interior starts to get properly hot, especially in the south.
- 2
Summer: hot inland, fine on the coast
Summer is the hardest season for Marrakech and the desert, where daytime heat is intense and midday sightseeing is unrealistic. The Atlantic coast is the exception. Essaouira stays breezy and cooler, and it is good for beaches and a gentler pace, though the wind can be strong. If you travel in July or August, base yourself on the coast, keep inland cities to early mornings and evenings, and use a riad with a pool as a midday refuge.
- 3
Autumn, September to November: great
Autumn is the second sweet spot. September is still hot inland, but October and November settle into warm, clear days that suit the cities, the desert and the coast alike. Crowds are lighter than in spring, and the light is good for photographs. The sea on the Atlantic coast is still swimmable in early autumn. Rain becomes more likely in November, mostly in the north and the mountains, so pack a light jacket and keep one plan flexible.
- 4
Winter: mild days, cold Atlas nights
Winter days in the cities are pleasant, often warm enough for a T-shirt in the sun, while nights can be cold. The Atlas gets real snow, and Oukaimeden near Marrakech is a small ski area. Desert nights near Merzouga are very cold, so bring warm layers if you plan a camp stay. Rain falls most often in the north. Prices are lower outside the Christmas and New Year weeks, and the medinas feel calmer.
- 5
Check the Ramadan dates
Ramadan moves about ten or eleven days earlier each year, so it can fall in any season. During the month many cafes and restaurants close or serve only after sunset, and daytime pace slows. Travel is still possible and some visitors enjoy the evening atmosphere, with the fast broken at dusk and the streets coming alive. Plan sightseeing for mornings, book meals for after sunset, and expect shorter opening hours. Look up the dates for your year before choosing flights.
Plan it
- Best time
- March to May and September to November. Avoid July and August in Marrakech and the Sahara, and check the Ramadan dates for your year.
- How long
- Ten days to two weeks suits a loop through Marrakech, the desert and the coast. A week works if you stay with two bases.
- Getting around
- Trains link Casablanca, Rabat, Fes and Marrakech and are comfortable. For the desert and the mountains, hire a driver or join a small group tour. Within medinas, you walk.
Good to know
- Cities are best in the morning and evening in any season. Midday is for pools and lunch.
- Dress covers shoulders and knees in most places, which also helps with the sun.
- Book riads and drivers for Easter and the Christmas weeks well ahead.
Frequently asked
What is the best month to visit Morocco? +
April and October are the most reliable choices. Both give warm, clear days in the cities and comfortable weather in the desert and mountains. March, May and November are good alternatives.
Is Morocco too hot in summer? +
Inland, yes. Marrakech and the Sahara can be extremely hot in July and August. The Atlantic coast, especially Essaouira, is much cooler and breezier, which makes it the better summer choice.
Can you visit Morocco during Ramadan? +
Yes. Expect many cafes and restaurants to close by day and a slower pace. Evenings are lively once the fast is broken. Plan sightseeing early and book meals for after sunset.
Does it snow in Morocco? +
In the High Atlas, yes, usually from December to March. The ski area at Oukaimeden is the best known. Cities such as Marrakech and Fes rarely see snow, though winter nights can be cold.
